Jeff Bezos plans to give away the majority of his $124 billion net worth during his lifetime, the billionaire said.
In an interview with CNN in his house and alongside his partner Lauren Sánchez the Amazon founder said the couple is “building the capacity to be able to give away this money.” Asked if he was planning to donate most of his wealth, Bezos said: “Yeah, I do.”
Without being specific on where or how they intended to donate their wealth, Bezos said the money will be used to fight climate change and support people who can unify humanity.
“It’s not easy,” Bezos said. “Building Amazon was not easy. It took a lot of hard work, a bunch of very smart teammates, hard-working teammates. I think Lauren is finding the same thing — that charity, philanthropy, is very similar.”
Bezos is the world’s fourth richest person and has been criticized for not following the same steps taken by other prominent billionaires who are known for their work on philanthropy.
Bezos’ interview comes only days after country music star and philanthropist Dolly Parton received a $100 million prize from the “Bezos Courage & Civility Award”, an honor that recognizes leaders who “pursue solutions with courage and civility.”
“We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award,” Sanchez said on her Instagram account.
